Icelandic students must take a school leaving exam: studentsprof after the completion of upper secondary education. This examination assesses the maturity level, and the knowledge of the pupils. The curriculum for the exam is managed by the Ministry of Education. Students who pass this exam are eligible to apply for higher education in Iceland.

Students who wish to study an undergraduate degree in Iceland, but are not able to sit for or pass the university entrance examination in their home country, are required to appear for the Icelandic studentsprof.

Application Procedure

Students must apply to each institution directly. Students can collect an application form directly from the higher education institution. You can download the application form from the higher education institution’s website, fill it, take a print out and mail it to the respective institution. Students can request the international relations office of your chosen higher education institution to send the admission form to your address.

Some of the higher education institutions have an online application system. Students can apply by filling out an online form and submit the required supporting documents.

Students who are selected, a letter of acceptance is issued to them.

The dates and deadlines vary depending upon the institution and study programme.

Each higher education institution is permitted to set their own admission prerequisites as per the higher education act; hence, you should contact the educational institution directly to know more about the admission requirements and procedure.

Supporting Documents

Submit the following documents along with the admission application form:

For undergraduate courses: A valid copy of your upper secondary education certificate and a copy of the final results from the university entrance exams in your home country.

For Master's studies: A copy of your Bachelor's degree and it must be attested

For PhD studies: A copy of your Master's degree and it must be attested

Students must have finished a matriculation exam or its equivalent and hold an upper secondary education certificate-Studentsprof.

English language proficiency certificate

CV: The CV should have all the details of the student, i.e. educational background, professional experience details, awards and honors, co curricular activities or volunteer experience, and references.

A copy of passport and passport-size photographs

Recommendation letter: At least two recommendation letters from academic or professional side are required.

Some of the higher education institutions conduct interviews. Interviews for International students can be conducted via Skype or phone.

International Students Admissions

The higher education institutions accept international students from all over the world. Though seats for such students at some of the institutions are limited.

Admission requisite: The basic requirement is that international students must hold a European or Scandinavian upper secondary completion certificate.

Entry requirement: The non-EU and non-Nordic country students must submit an acceptance letter issued from the higher education institution in Iceland in order to gain entry into Iceland. Also, proof of sufficient funds is required and they must possess a health insurance. International students are required to register with the Immigration Office.

Language Requirements

Icelandic Language Requirement

The language of instruction is Icelandic. Candidates must demonstrate their level of proficiency in Icelandic. Generally, an Icelandic proficiency level B2 is accepted.

English Language Requirement

Some of the study programmes are in English language. Students are required to submit an English language proficiency score/certificate.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 79 is required.